Taking part in hare scramble races kept both men busy and challenged them physically.

“About every two weeks you knew you had a race to run and you couldn’t ignore it. That in itself is a big motivator,” Lingafeldt said.

In addition to keeping their bikes running, staying in good physical shape is a must.

Their training regimens include weight-lifting and running. They also had to get enough rest and stay hydrated, especially before hot-weather races.

That’s because hare scramble racers have to be ready for just about anything. There’s no telling what challenges a race course might hold.

Unlike road races where the route is known in advance, there’s no preview of a hare scramble course, Lingafeldt said.

“You see it for the first time on the first lap, as fast as you can go, surrounded by competitors with the same idea.”

When the flag drops, he said, there are a lot of unknowns.

For Pool, the excitement of a race is a great way to relax.

“The daily grind of work and responsibility are momentarily forgotten when trees, dirt, dust, mud, rocks and other motorcyclists, all moving at high speed, require 100 percent of your attention,” Pool said.

Both were pleased to reach their goal this past year.

But 2011 will be different.

Lingafeldt and his wife, Courtney, welcomed their first child, Harper, two weeks ago.

“For me, this represents a big priority shift,” Lingafeldt said. “I plan to spend more time at home this year.”

But he still plans to run a limited number of races, in addition to his recreational rides with Pool, to keep up with the friends they have made.

“You compete in a relatively dangerous sport with these guys and that builds a strong bond and a level of mutual respect,” Lingafeldt said. “They become part of your life.”

“The reward is more than winning,” Pool said, “It’s a deep sense of accomplishment and shared interest with others.”